Channel probing signal for a broadband communication system

ABSTRACT

In a broadband wireless communication system, a spread spectrum signal is intentionally overlapped with an OFDM signal, in a time domain, a frequency domain, or both. The OFDM signal, which inherently has a high spectral efficiency, is used for carrying broadband data or control information. The spread spectrum signal, which is designed to have a high spread gain for overcoming severe interference, is used for facilitating system functions such as initial random access, channel probing, or short messaging. Methods and techniques are devised to ensure that the mutual interference between the overlapped signals is minimized to have insignificant impact on either signal and that both signals are detectable with expected performance by a receiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/321,615 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,948,488), filed Jul. 1, 2014, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/861,942(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,767,522), filed Apr. 12, 2013, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/347,644(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,428,009), filed Jan. 10, 2012, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/975,226(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,094,611), filed Dec. 21, 2010, all of which areincorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/975,226 is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/583,229 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,864,725), filed Aug. 27, 2008, whichis the National Stage Application of International Application No.PCT/US2005/003518, filed Jan. 27, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/540,586, filed on Jan. 30, 2004,and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/540,032, filed on Jan.29, 2004.

BACKGROUND

A direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) system is inherently capable ofsupporting multi-cell and multi-user access applications through the useof orthogonal spreading codes. The initial access of the physicalchannel and frequency planning are relatively easier because ofinterference averaging in a DSSS system. It has been widely used in someexisting wireless networks. However, a DSSS system using orthogonalspreading codes, may suffer severely from the loss of orthogonally in abroadband environment due to multi-path propagation effects, whichresults in low spectral efficiency.

In broadband wireless communications, Multi-Carrier (MC) technology isdrawing more and more attention because of its capability. An MC systemsuch as an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system iscapable of supporting broadband applications with higher spectralefficiency. An MC system mitigates the adverse effects of multi-pathpropagation in wireless environments by using cyclic prefixes to extendthe signal period as the data is multiplexed on orthogonal sub-carriers.In effect, it converts a frequency selective channel into a number ofparallel flat fading channels which can be easily equalized with simpleone-tap equalizers. The modulator and the demodulator can be executedefficiently via the fast Fourier transform (FFT) with much lower cost.However, MC systems are vulnerable while operating in multi-user andmulti-cell environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a basic structure of a multi-carrier signal in thefrequency domain, made up of subcarriers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a radio resource being divided into small units inboth frequency and time domains.

FIG. 3 illustrates a frame structure of an exemplary OFDM system.

FIG. 4 illustrates three examples of a subframe structure in theexemplary OFDM system.

FIG. 5 illustrates slot structure of the OFDM system and the overlaysystem.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of MC signals overlaid with DSSS signals inthe frequency domain where the power level of the DSSS signal is muchlower than that of the MC signal.

FIG. 7 is same as FIG. 6 wherein not all MC subchannels are occupied.

FIG. 8 illustrates a transmitter structure of MC and DSSS overlaysystem.

FIG. 9 illustrates a receiver structure of MC and DSSS overlay system.

FIG. 10 illustrates examples of communications between a base stationand multiple mobile stations transmitting DSSS and MC signals.

FIG. 11 illustrates a mobile station sending DSSS signals to its currentserving base station, or other base stations.

FIG. 12 illustrates using interference cancellation technique to cancelinterfering DSSS signal in a composite signal to obtain a clearer MCsignal.

FIG. 13 illustrates a DSSS signal and a MC signal fully overlaid orpartially overlaid at MC symbol or slot boundary in time domain.

FIG. 14 illustrates a DSSS signal with a high Peak to Average Ratio infrequency domain causing strong interference to certain MC subcarriers.

FIG. 15 illustrates using spectrum nulls in DSSS signal to protect an MCcontrol subchannel.

FIG. 16 illustrates spectrum control for DSSS signal using simplesub-sampling method.

FIG. 17 illustrates examples of communications between a base stationand multiple mobile stations transmitting both DSSS and MC signals.

FIG. 18 illustrates a typical channel response in the time and frequencydomains. By estimating the peaks of a channel response in the timedomain, the channel profile in the frequency domain can be obtained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A broadband wireless communication system where both the Multi-Carrier(MC) and direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signals areintentionally overlaid together in both time and frequency domains isdescribed. The system takes advantage of both MC and DSSS techniques tomitigate their weaknesses. The MC signal is used to carry broadband datasignal for its high spectral efficiency, while the DSSS signal is usedfor special purpose processing, such as initial random access, channelprobing, and short messaging, in which signal properties such assimplicity, self synchronization, and performance under severeinterference are of concern. In the embodiments of this invention boththe MC and the DSSS signals are distinguishable in normal operations andthe interference between the overlaid signals is insufficient to degradethe expected performance of either signal.

Unlike a typical CDMA system where the signals are designed to beorthogonal in the code domain or an OFDM system where the signals aredesigned to be orthogonal in frequency domain, the embodiments of thisinvention overlay the MC signal, which is transmitted without or withvery low spreading, and the DSSS signal, which is transmitted at a powerlevel lower than that of the MC signal.

In accordance with aspects of certain embodiments of this invention, theMC signal is modulated on subcarriers in the frequency domain while theDSSS signal is modulated by the information bits or symbols in the timedomain. In some cases the information bits modulating the DSSS sequenceare always one.

This invention further provides apparatus and means to implement thementioned processes and methods in a broadband wireless multi-accessand/or multi-cell network, using advanced techniques such as transmitpower control, spreading signal design, and iterative cancellation.

The mentioned MC system can be of any special format such as OFDM orMulti-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA). The presentedmethods and apparatus can be applied to downlink, uplink, or both, wherethe duplexing technique can be either Time Division Duplexing (TDD) orFrequency Division Duplexing (FDD).

Various embodiments of the invention are described to provide specificdetails for thorough understanding and enablement; however, the aspectsof the invention may be practiced without such details. In someinstances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown ordescribed in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the essentialmatters.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Whenthe claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, that word covers all of the following interpretations of theword: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and anycombination of the items in the list.

Multi-Carrier Communication System

The physical media resource (e.g., radio or cable) in a multi-carriercommunication system can be divided in both the frequency and timedomains. This canonical division provides a high flexibility and finegranularity for resource sharing.

The basic structure of a multi-carrier signal in the frequency domain ismade up of subcarriers. Within a particular spectral band or channel,there are a fixed number of subcarriers. There are three types ofsubcarriers:

-   1. Data subcarriers, which contain information data;-   2. Pilot subcarriers, whose phases and amplitudes are predetermined    and made known to all receivers and which are employed for assisting    system functions such as estimation of system parameters; and-   3. Silent subcarriers, which have no energy and are used for guard    bands and DC carrier.

FIG. 1 illustrates a basic structure of a multi-carrier signal in thefrequency domain, made up of subcarriers. The data subcarriers can bearranged into groups called subchannels to support scalability andmultiple-access. The carriers forming one subchannel are not necessarilyadjacent to each other. As depicted in FIG. 1, each user may use part orall of the subchannels.

FIG. 2 illustrates a radio resource being divided into small units inboth frequency (subchannels) and time domains (time slots). The basicstructure of an MC signal in the time domain is made up of time slots tosupport multiple-access.

An Exemplary MC System

An OFDM system is used in the system as a special case of an MC system.The system parameters for the uplink under consideration are listed inTable 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a frame structure of a suitable OFDM system.In this system, a 20 ms frame 310 is divided into four 5 ms subframes312. One subframe 312 consists of six time slots 314 and two specialperiods 316, which serve transition time from downlink to uplink andvise versa. The six time slots in one subframe can be configured aseither uplink or downlink slots symmetrically or asymmetrically.

FIG. 4 illustrates three examples of a subframe structure in an OFDMsystem: one symmetric configuration 412 and two asymmetricconfigurations 414, each with differing number of uplink (UL) anddownlink (DL) slots. FIG. 5 illustrates a slot structure of an OFDMsystem and an overlay system. One 800 μs time slot 510 is comprised of 8OFDM symbols 512, which are overlaid by DSSS signals 514 in the timedomain. Two guard periods GP1 and GP2 are allocated for the DSSS signal514.

TABLE 1 Uplink system parameters Data Rate 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 MbpsModulation QPSK, 16-QAM Coding rate 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 IFFT/FFT size1024 OFDM symbol duration 100 us Guard interval 11.11 us Subcarrierspacing 9.765625 kHz System sampling rate (fs) 11.52 MHz Channel spacing10 MHzDetailed Description of a MC and DSSS Overlay System

FIG. 5 illustrates the overlay of the MC and DSSS signals, where theDSSS signal overlaps with the MC signal in the time domain. The overlaidsignal can be aligned at the boundary of MC slot or MC symbol when theyare synchronized (for example, DSSS signal #k in FIG. 5). It can also benot aligned when they are not synchronized (for example, DSSS signal #jin FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the DSSS signal is placed at the periodof cyclic prefix of the OFDM symbol.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of MC signals overlaid with DSSS signals inthe frequency domain where the power level of the DSSS signal is muchlower than that of the MC signal. The subcarriers in a subchannel arenot necessarily adjacent to each other in the frequency domain. FIG. 7is similar to FIG. 6 wherein not all MC subchannels are occupied. Itillustrates a scenario where some MC subchannels are not energized.

In another embodiment, the MC signal is modulated on subcarriers in thefrequency domain while the DSSS signal is modulated in either the timedomain or the frequency domain. In one embodiment the modulation symbolon the DSSS sequence is one and the sequence is unmodulated.

FIG. 8 illustrates a transmitter structure 800 of an MC and DSSS overlaysystem, wherein the MC signal and DSSS signal are added together priorto Digital to Analog (D/A) conversion 830. In FIG. 8, the top branch 810is an OFDM transmitter and the bottom branch 820 is the spread spectrumtransmitter. In the MC transmitter, the S/P buffer converts thesequential inputs into parallel outputs, which are in turn inputted tothe inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT). The outputs from the IDFTare the time domain signals, which are converted from parallel tosequential signals after a cyclic prefix is added. Adding the prefix canalso be performed after the P/S conversion. In the spread spectrumtransmitter, the DSSS sequence is modulated by the information bits orsymbols and the modulated signals will undergo pulse-shaping filteringso that the signal spectrum meets specified criteria.

A digital attenuator (G1) is used for the DSSS signal to adjust itstransmitted signal level relative to the MC signal. The two signals areoverlaid in the digital domain before converting to a composite analogsignal. A second analog variable gain (G2) is used subsequent to the D/Aconverter 830 to further control the power level of the transmittedsignal. When the MC signal is not present, both G1 and G2 will beapplied to the DSSS signal to provide sufficient transmission dynamicrange. G2 can be realized in multiple circuit stages.

FIG. 9 illustrates a receiver structure 900 of an MC and DSSS overlaysystem. A composite signal is processed by a MC receiver 910 and DSSSreceiver 920. At the receiver side, after automatic gain control (AGC),an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter 930 converts the received analogsignal to digital signal. The MC receiver basically performs a reverseprocess of the MC transmitter. The MC synchronization circuit carriesout the synchronization in both time and frequency for the receiver tofunction properly. The outputs of the P/S are information bits orsymbols. To detect whether a DSSS signal is present, the signal isdespread with a matched filter or a correlator, using the accesssequence, to check if the correlation peak exceeds a predefinedthreshold. The information from the DSSS receiver 920 will then be usedto decode the mobile station's signature in the case of initial randomaccess; to derive the channel information in the case of channelprobing; or to decode the information bit in the case of shortmessaging.

In one embodiment a rake receiver is used in the DSSS receiver 920 toimprove its performance in a multi-path environment. In anotherembodiment, the MC signal is processed as if no DSSS signal is present.In yet another embodiment, advanced interference cancellation techniquescan be applied to the composite signal to cancel the DSSS signal fromthe composite signal thus maintaining almost the same MC performance.

The transmitted composite signal for user i can be represented by:s _(i)(t)=G _(i,2) *[G _(i,1) *s _(i,SS)(t)+b _(i) *s _(i,MC)(t)]  (1)where bi is 0 when there is no MC signal and is 1 when an MC signal ispresent. Similarly, G_(i,1) is 0 when there is no DSSS signal and variesdepending on the power setting of the DSSS signal relative to the MCsignal when a DSSS signal is present. G_(i,2) is used to control thetotal transmission power for user i. The received signal can berepresented by:

$\begin{matrix}{{r(t)} = {{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{M}\;{s_{i}(t)}} + N + I}} & (2)\end{matrix}$where M is the total number of mobile station actively communicatingwith the current base station, N is the Gaussian noise, and I is thetotal interference from all the mobile stations in current and otherbase stations.

Denoting the received power of the MC signal as P_(MC) and the receivedpower of the DSSS signal as P_(SS), the signal to interference and noiseratio (SINR) for the MC signal is:SINR_(MC) =P _(MC)/(N+I)   (3)when the DSSS signal is not present; and isSINR′_(MC) =P _(MC)/(N+I+P _(SS))   (4)when the DSSS signal is present. The system is designed such that theSINR′_(MC) meets the SINR requirement for the MC signal and itsperformance is not compromised in spite of interference from theoverlaid DSSS signal.

In one embodiment, the DSSS signal is power controlled such that P_(SS)is well below the noise level, N.

On the other hand, the SINR for the DSSS signal isSINR′_(SS) =P _(SS)/(N+I+P _(MC))   (5)

Denoting the spreading factor for the DSSS signal as K_(SF), theeffective SINR for one symbol after despreading is:SINR′_(SS) =P _(SS) *K _(SF)/(N+I+P _(MC))   (6)

SINR′_(SS) must be high enough to meet the performance requirement whendetecting or decoding the information conveyed in the DSSS signal. Inone embodiment, K_(SF) is chosen to be 1000, so that the DSSS signal isboosted with 30 dB spreading gain after despreading.

FIG. 11 illustrates a mobile station 1110 sending DSSS signals to itscurrent serving base station or other base stations. The latter case isespecially helpful in hand-off processes. In this Figure, a mobilestation MS_(k) is communicating with a BS_(i) using an MC signal whiletransmitting a DSSS signal to BS_(k).

Power Control

As discussed above, one design issue is to minimize the power of theDSSS signal to reduce its interference with the MC data signal. In oneembodiment, the initial power setting of a mobile station, T_(MS_tx) (indBm), is set based on path loss, L_(path) (in dB), and the desiredreceived power level at the base station, P_(BS_rx_des) (in dBm),T_(MS_tx)=P_(BS_rx_des)+L_(path)−C₁−C₂   (7)

C₁ (in dB) is set to a proper value so that the SINR of the MC asspecified in equation (4) meets its requirement. C₂ (in dB) is anadjustment to compensate for the power control inaccuracy. Open looppower control inaccuracy is mainly caused by a discrepancy between anestimated path loss by the mobile station and the actual path loss.

In one embodiment, C₁ is set to 9 dB for MC using QPSK modulation with ½error control coding or 15 dB for MC using 16 QAM modulation with ½error control coding. C₂ is set to 10 dB or 2 dB depending on whetherthe mobile station is under open loop power control or closed loop powercontrol. Power control for the DSSS signal also eases the spectrum maskrequirement for the DSSS signal because the DSSS signal level is muchlower than that of the MC signal.

With total power offset of C₁+C₂ subtracted from an initial transmissionpower of the DSSS signal, the spreading factor of the DSSS signal needsto be set high enough (e.g., 512 (27 dB) or higher) so that the DSSSsignal can be detected in normal conditions. This requires a sufficientnumber of bits of the A/D converter at the base station, for example, 12bits.

In one embodiment, the D/A converter at the mobile station uses 12 bits,among which 8 bits are targeted for the MC signal (assuming 3 bits arereserved for MC peak to average consideration). Thus, there are enoughbits left for the DSSS signal even with significant attenuation relativeto the MC signal.

Canceling the Interference of DSSS Signal to the MC Signal

In one embodiment, the base station employs interference cancellationtechniques to cancel the DSSS interference to the MC signal. FIG. 12illustrates a system for using an interference cancellation technique tocancel an interfering DSSS signal in a composite signal to obtain aclearer MC signal. First, a DSSS signal is detected by the DSSS receiver1220; then it is subtracted (decision directed) from the total receivedsignal to obtain a cleaner MC data signal in the MC receiver 1210, asillustrated in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, multiple step iterativecancellation can be applied to further improve the effectiveness of theinterference cancellation. The MC receiver basically performs a reverseprocess of the MC transmitter mentioned above. The MC synchronizationcircuit carries out the synchronization in both time and frequency forthe receiver to function properly. The outputs of the P/S areinformation bits or symbols.

DSSS Signal Design

DSSS sequences are chosen to have good autocorrelation andcross-correlation properties (i.e., with high peak to sidelobe ratio).In one embodiment, pulse-shaping is applied to restrict the spectrummask of DSSS signals and to reduce impacts on the MC signals in thefrequency domain. For example, the transmitter pulse-shaping filterapplied to the DSSS signal can be a root-raised cosine (RRC) withroll-off factor a in the frequency domain. The impulse response of thechip impulse filter RC₀(t) is

$\begin{matrix}{{{RC}_{0}(t)} = \frac{{\sin\left( {\pi\frac{t}{T_{C}}\left( {1 - \alpha} \right)} \right)} + {4\;\alpha\frac{t}{T_{C}}{\cos\left( {\pi\frac{t}{T_{C}}\left( {1 + \alpha} \right)} \right)}}}{\pi\frac{t}{T_{C}}\left( {1 - \left( {4\;\alpha\frac{t}{T_{C}}} \right)^{2}} \right)}} & (8)\end{matrix}$where T_(c) is the chip duration.

FIG. 13 illustrates a DSSS signal and a MC signal fully overlaid orpartially overlaid with an MC symbol or slot boundary in the timedomain. The DSSS and the MC signals may be aligned at the symbol (orslot) boundary when they are synchronized, or partially overlapped inthe time domain when they are not synchronized, as shown in FIG. 13,where a DSSS signal #m 1302 fully overlaps with a MC symbol (or slot)1304 in time domain, while a DSSS signal #n 1306 overlaps with the MCsymbol (or slot) only partially.

FIG. 14 illustrates a DSSS signal with a high Peak to Average Ratio inthe frequency domain causing strong interference to certain MCsubcarriers. The sequence used to spread the DSSS signal has to bedesigned to avoid cases where the DSSS signal may have a high Peak toAverage ratio (PAR) in the frequency domain and its spikes may causesevere interference with some MC subcarriers, as illustrated in FIG. 14.In one embodiment, the DSSS sequence is designed so that, in partial orin full, it has low PAR in the frequency domain using signal processingtechniques, such as a PAR reduction algorithm. Either binary or nonbinary sequences can be used.

In another embodiment, Golay complementary sequences, Reed-Muller codes,or the codes designed with similar construction methods may be used tocontrol the PAR of DSSS sequences in the frequency domain, therebylimiting the interference of DSSS signals to MC signals, which aredemodulated in the frequency domain. In one embodiment, guard periodsare added to the DSSS signal which overlaps with one MC symbol, as shownby DSSS signal #p 1308 in FIG. 13. The guard periods ensure that awell-designed DSSS sequence (with low PAR in frequency domain) causeslittle interference with the MC subcarriers even when there is timemisalignment in a DSSS signal relative to the OFDM symbol period.

Within MC subcarriers, the control subcarriers are more important thanthe data subcarriers and may need to have a better protection in theoverlay system.

FIG. 15 illustrates using spectrum nulls in the DSSS signal 1502 toprotect an MC control subchannel. In one embodiment, the DSSS sequenceis designed to have spectrum nulls at MC control subchannels to avoidexcess interference with the uplink MC control signals 1504, asillustrated in FIG. 15. One such scheme is to use sub-sampling such thatthe chip rate of the DSSS signal is ½ or ⅔ of the system sampling rate,which means the DSSS spectrum will only occupy the center portion with awidth of 5.76 MHz or 7.68 MHz out of the 10 MHz available spectrum 1506,as shown in FIG. 16. Its interference with the MC sub-carriers over therest of the spectrum will be much lower where the MC subchannels,carrying control information or using higher modulation subcarriers(such as 16 QAM), are placed.

Initial Random Access Using the Overlay Scheme

FIG. 10 illustrates a DSSS signal used as initial random access by themobile station MS_(j) 1004, in an overlay system. In the mean time,MS_(l) and MS_(k) are transmitting MC signals to the base station BS_(i)1002. In one embodiment of the invention, the DSSS signal is used forinitial random access and the MC signal is used by multiple mobilestations to transmit high rate data and related control information, asillustrated in FIG. 10. In this arrangement the mobile station MS_(j) istransmitting its initial access DSSS signal simultaneously with the MCsignals from other mobile stations (in this case, MS_(l) and MS_(K)) tothe base station BS_(i).

In the initial random access of a multi-carrier multiple access system,a mobile station cannot transmit directly onto the control subchannelbecause its transmission time and power have not been aligned with othermobile stations. When this mobile station powers up or wakes up from asleep mode, it first listens to a base station broadcasting channel andfinds an available random access DSSS channel. It then sends an initialrandom access signal over the DSSS channel with a certain signature codeor sequence that is designated to the corresponding base station and isbroadcasted to all the mobile stations by each base station.

The initial access DSSS signal arrives at the base station together withMC signals from other mobile stations, each carrying data and controlinformation. The initial power level of the DSSS signal is based on theopen power loop control settings. A sufficient guard period is reservedin the DSSS signal to account for initial time alignment uncertainty, asshown in FIG. 5.

If the base station successfully detects the DSSS signal, it sends theacknowledgement (ACK) carrying information such as a signature or otherunique mobile station identifier and power and time adjustments of themobile on the downlink control channel in the next available timeslot.The mobile station whose transmission signature matches that of theacknowledgement then moves to the designated uplink MC control channelusing the assigned time and power values and further completes themessage transmission.

If no feedback is received at the mobile station after a pre-definednumber of slots, it assumes that the access slot was not detected by thebase station, and will ramp up the transmission power of the DSSS signalby one step and re-transmit it, until it reaches the maximum allowabletransmit signal power or the maximum retry times. In one embodiment, thepower ramping step of the mobile station is set to be 1 dB or 2 dB whichis configured by the base station on the downlink broadcasting channel.The maximum allowable transmit signal power and the retry times are alsocontrolled by the base station depending on the uplink modulation/codingscheme and available access channels. During the initial random access,the DSSS signal can also be used for channel probing and shortmessaging.

Channel Probing Using DSSS in the Overlay System

In one embodiment of the invention, the DSSS signal is used to assistestimation of channel characteristics. In this case, the mobile stationis already synchronized in time and frequency with the base station, andits transmission of the MC signal is under closed-loop power controlwith the base station.

FIG. 17 illustrates examples of communications between a base station1702 and multiple mobile stations 1704 transmitting both DSSS and MCsignals. DSSS signal is used for channel probing or to carry shortmessages. In this case, MS_(j) 1704 is transmitting both an MC signaland a DSSS signal to the base station BS_(i) 1702. It is also underclosed loop power control with the base station BS_(i) 1702. In FIG. 17,the mobile station MS_(j) 1704 is transmitting its DSSS signalsimultaneously with its own MC signal. Other mobile stations (in thiscase, MS_(l) 1704 and MS_(K) 1704) are transmitting either MC or DSSSsignals to the base station BS_(i) 1702.

FIG. 18 illustrates a typical channel response in the time domain 1802and the frequency domain 1804. By estimating the peaks of a channelresponse in the time domain 1802, the channel profile in the frequencydomain 1804 can be obtained. A typical channel response in the timedomain and frequency domain for a broadband wireless system is shown inFIG. 18. Using a matched filter in the DSSS receiver at the basestation, the peaks of a channel response in time can be detected.

When closed loop power control is used, the initial power settings willbe much more accurate than by using open loop power control alone. Thus,the margin reserved for power control inaccuracy can be reduced to amuch smaller value. Furthermore, a bigger spreading factor can be usedsince no data information needs to be conveyed in the DSSS signal. Thisleaves a dynamic range large enough for detecting multi-path peaks fromthe output of the match filter or correlator, thereby generating abetter channel profile. When and how often a mobile station should sendthe DSSS signal for channel probing is configurable by the network orthe mobile station.

In one embodiment, the base station dictates the mobile station totransmit the channel probing DSSS when it needs an update of the mobilestation's channel characteristics. In another embodiment, the basestation polls the mobile station during its silent period and gets anupdate of the mobile station's information such as transmission timingand power from the probing DSSS signal. In yet another embodiment, thechannel profile information is used by the base station to determine theproper modulation/coding and pilot pattern. In yet another embodiment,the channel profile information is used for advanced antenna techniquessuch as beamforming. In one embodiment, channel probing with the DSSSsignaling is performed without close loop power control or timesynchronization.

Short Message Using DSSS in the Overlay System

In one embodiment of the invention, the DSSS signal is used to carryshort messages. In this case, the mobile station is already synchronizedin time and frequency with the base station, and its transmission of aMC signal is also under closed-loop power control with the base station.As shown in FIG. 17, the mobile station MS_(j) is transmitting its DSSSsignal carrying a short message simultaneously with its own MC signal.Other mobile stations (in this case, MS_(l) and MS_(K)) are transmittingeither the MC signal or DSSS signal to the base station BS_(i). In thiscase, the short message carried by the DSSS signal has a much lower datarate compared with that of the MC signal. In another embodiment, shortmessaging using the DSSS signaling is performed without close loop powercontrol or time synchronization.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned inthis disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachingsof the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, notnecessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of thevarious embodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments.

All of the above patents and applications and other references,including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, areincorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the invention.

Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “DetailedDescription.” While the above description details certain embodiments ofthe invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter howdetailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced inmany ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably whilestill being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which thatterminology is associated.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not beconstrued to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosedin the specification, unless the above Detailed Description sectionexplicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorsreserve the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A communication method for a mobile device in an OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system, the methodcomprising: receiving a request for a probing signal from a base stationin the system; and transmitting, in response to the received request,the probing signal with a code sequence modulated in the frequencydomain, wherein: the probing signal is configured to overlap, in thetime domain, with uplink signals transmitted over an uplink frequencyband by other mobile devices in the system; and the probing signal isconfigured to occupy a portion of spectrum in the uplink frequency bandnot designated for transmission of uplink control signals in the system.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the probing signal providesinformation for the base station to estimate a channel profile in thefrequency domain.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mobile devicereceives a subsequent transmission from the base station that has beenbeamformed using the estimated channel profile.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the probing signal provides information for the base stationto determine a transmission format for a subsequent transmission.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the transmission format comprises amodulation/coding or pilot pattern.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe portion of spectrum is available for transmission of uplink datasignals by other mobile devices in the system during a time period whenthe portion of the spectrum is not occupied by the probing signal. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the portion of spectrum is within acenter portion of the uplink frequency band and subcarriers for thetransmission of uplink control signals are within an outer portion ofthe uplink frequency band.
 8. A communication method for a base stationin an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communicationsystem, the method comprising: transmitting a request for a probingsignal to a mobile device in the system; and receiving the probingsignal from the mobile device, wherein: the probing signal contains acode sequence modulated in the frequency domain; the probing signaloverlaps, in the time domain, with uplink signals transmitted over anuplink frequency band by other mobile devices in the system; and theprobing signal occupies a portion of spectrum in the uplink frequencyband not designated for transmission of uplink control signals in thesystem.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising estimating, basedon the received probing signal, a channel profile in the frequencydomain.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising using the channelprofile to determine a transmission format for a subsequent transmissionover the channel.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the transmissionformat comprises a modulation/coding or pilot pattern.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising using the channel profile for beamforming ina subsequent transmission to the mobile device.
 13. The method of claim8, wherein the portion of spectrum is available for transmission ofuplink data signals by other mobile devices in the system during a timeperiod when the portion of the spectrum is not occupied by the probingsignal.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the portion of spectrum iswithin a center portion of the uplink frequency band and subcarriers forthe transmission of uplink control signals are within an outer portionof the uplink frequency band.
 15. A communication method for anOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system,the method comprising: sending a request for a probing signal to amobile device from a base station in the system; and responding by themobile device to the request by transmitting the probing signal with acode sequence modulated in the frequency domain, wherein: the probingsignal is configured to overlap, in the time domain, with uplink signalstransmitted over an uplink frequency band by other mobile devices in thesystem; and the probing signal is configured to occupy a portion ofspectrum in the uplink frequency band not designated for transmission ofuplink control signals in the system.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein transmission power of the probing signal is under power control.17. The method of claim 15, wherein the probing signal enables the basestation to estimate a channel profile in the frequency domain.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the channel profile is used by the basestation to determine a transmission format for a subsequenttransmission.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the transmissionformat comprises a modulation/coding or pilot pattern.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the channel profile is used for beamforming in asubsequent transmission by the base station to the mobile device. 21.The method of claim 15, wherein the portion of spectrum is available fortransmission of uplink data signals by other mobile devices in thesystem during a time period when the portion of the spectrum is notoccupied by the probing signal.
 22. The method of claim 15, wherein theportion of spectrum is within a center portion of the uplink frequencyband and subcarriers for the transmission of uplink control signals arewithin an outer portion of the uplink frequency band.
 23. A mobiledevice in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)communication system, the mobile device comprising: a receiverconfigured to receive a request for a probing signal from a base stationin the system; a transmitter configured to form and transmit, inresponse to the received request, the probing signal with a codesequence modulated in the frequency domain, wherein: the probing signalis configured to overlap, in the time domain, with uplink signalstransmitted over an uplink frequency band by other mobile devices in thesystem; and the probing signal is configured to occupy a portion ofspectrum in the uplink frequency band not designated for transmission ofuplink control signals in the system.
 24. The mobile device of claim 23,wherein the probing signal provides information for the base station toestimate a channel profile in the frequency domain.
 25. The mobiledevice of claim 24, wherein the mobile device is configured to receive asubsequent transmission from the base station that has been beamformedusing the estimated channel profile.
 26. The mobile device of claim 23,wherein the probing signal provides information for the base station todetermine a transmission format for a subsequent transmission.
 27. Themobile device of claim 26, wherein the transmission format comprises amodulation/coding or pilot pattern.
 28. The mobile device of claim 23,wherein the portion of spectrum is available for transmission of uplinkdata signals by other mobile devices in the system during a time periodwhen the portion of the spectrum is not occupied by the probing signal.29. The mobile device of claim 23, wherein the portion of spectrum iswithin a center portion of the uplink frequency band and subcarriers forthe transmission of uplink control signals are within an outer portionof the uplink frequency band.
 30. A base station in an OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system, the basestation comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit a request for aprobing signal to a mobile device in the system; and a receiverconfigured to receive the probing signal from the mobile device,wherein: the probing signal contains a code sequence modulated in thefrequency domain; the probing signal overlaps, in the time domain, withuplink signals transmitted over an uplink frequency band by other mobiledevices in the system; and the probing signal occupies a portion ofspectrum in the uplink frequency band not designated for transmission ofuplink control signals in the system.
 31. The base station of claim 30,wherein the receiver is further configured to estimate, based on thereceived probing signal, a channel profile in the frequency domain. 32.The base station of claim 31, further comprising using the channelprofile to determine a transmission format for a subsequent transmissionover the channel.
 33. The base station of claim 32, wherein thetransmission format comprises a modulation/coding or pilot pattern. 34.The base station of claim 31, further comprising using the channelprofile for beamforming in a subsequent transmission to the mobiledevice.
 35. The base station of claim 30, wherein the portion ofspectrum is available for transmission of uplink data signals by othermobile devices in the system during a time period when the portion ofthe spectrum is not occupied by the probing signal.
 36. The base stationof claim 30, wherein the portion of spectrum is within a center portionof the uplink frequency band and subcarriers for the transmission ofuplink control signals are within an outer portion of the uplinkfrequency band.